After World Cup 2026 Disappointment, Jay Idzes and Indonesia Aim to Redeem Themselves at the 2026 AFF Championship

Indonesia’s national football team has fallen short of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after being eliminated in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers. This setback led to the dismissal of head coach Patrick Kluivert by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). With no replacement yet appointed, PSSI decided not to schedule any international friendlies for November 2025, instead focusing on finding a new coach who will lead the team starting from the FIFA Matchday in March 2026.

The next major challenge awaiting the national team is the 2026 AFF Championship, which will take place from July 25 to August 26, earlier than its usual December slot. The tournament is seen as a crucial opportunity for Indonesia to bounce back from the World Cup disappointment. Former national player Atep emphasized that winning the AFF title should be the top priority, as it would help restore the nation’s pride and heal the disappointment of missing out on football’s biggest stage.

Despite the failure to reach the World Cup, Indonesia’s recent progress in Asian competition has shown promise. Their advancement to the fourth qualifying round demonstrated a significant improvement in quality and competitiveness. With a talented roster that includes key players like Jay Idzes, the team is viewed as capable of finally breaking its long-standing curse in the AFF Championship, a tournament Indonesia has yet to win despite multiple appearances in the final.

Looking ahead, PSSI has outlined a clear path for the national team’s development. After targeting victory in the 2026 AFF Championship, attention will shift to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for January 15 to February 8. The new coach will be tasked with leading Indonesia to reach at least the Round of 16, a goal that reflects growing confidence in the current generation’s potential to compete on the continental stage.

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